Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

[BlackAkuma]

Dizzy matched Alicia’s smile as she brought up their first encounter, alluding to the way it had ended. It was funny - she’d had more than a few sexual episodes in LAW since then, but their match was a moment she remembered, even more than many of the overtly lewder affairs. With the subterfuge and their secrets conversations and the way it had all ended with her mother nearly losing her mind while Dizzy got everything she wanted, right in front of her. She honestly thought she wouldn’t have loved the match more if it had just been hentai.

Not that she would ever turn down something more explicitly sensual, mind you. But until that happened, if it happened, she was content to dream. ”Oh, I don’t know, there are some strong contenders.” She idly stroked her chin with a wistful smile, as if contemplating a list that was ten times larger than the real one. ”You’ll have to remind me why you’re number one. Soon, I think.”

Though, not at dinner. Not that soon. Dizzy was wild, but even she drew the line at anything blatantly sexual in her mother’s apartment.

As fun as the flirting was, she was trying her hand at being a bit more serious as she spoke to Alicia. Not the most natural thing for her - most people assumed she was a silly thing from the first time they looked at her, and she was happy to let them think that for the most part, happy to be the role. But this was an attempt to lay out some real emotional groundwork, and it massively helped that Alicia took her serious, gave her full attention, never spoke a word to interrupt her.

God, she had the prettiest eyes, too. It was easy to miss them with everything else about her, but they were a lovely shifting shade of brown, a hazel that seemed to change with the lighting. Dizzy swore, they looked a little different every time she saw her.

They gave her something to look at in the awkward silence, and when Alicia eased up and smiled, she felt her breath return and her shoulders slump. It had felt good to get that out, even if in a haphazard way. Silly flirting was so much more her speed.

So it was a good thing that Alicia ended with some. ”The best seat.” She proudly corrected, straightening up with a look of odd pride. There were far worse things to be proud about, she figured.

Dizzy held the pose for two seconds before she broke down into a laugh that echoed out of the kitchen and likely made its way to her Mom, not that she cared. She felt good—real good—a purer, better feeling than she could remember getting from a conversation since…ever, perhaps. So good that it made her do something without thinking. It just felt right.

Dizzy slipped out of the chair, stood up, leaned towards Alicia’s face, and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. Probably the most innocent thing her lips had done to another woman’s body in her entire life, and yet the contact made her heart dance. She promptly sat back down and innocently stared into her plate, with her dumb, knowing smile.

***

Angela beamed as Gabby accepted her book with reverence. While it wasn’t the first time she’d given away a copy, it was one of the few times the recipient had shown genuine interest. Most times, people just took it like it was a stocking stuffer or a free sample, the smallest enthusiasm. Years of your life and countless hours, all to get a halfhearted ‘thanks’. Gabby held it like it was the Holy Grail, full realizing the weight of what was given. Ugh. Why couldn't Dizzy be more into someone like this?

Angela was trying to wean herself of these helicopter parent ways, but even so, she couldn't help but want a certain type of partner for her daughter. While she had only just met Gabby, she couldn't help but think the young lady ticked so many of her boxes. Such a demure, modest soul. Soft-spoken, genteel, and well-mannered. In a different world, she would’ve been an excellent balance to Dizzy’s wild ways. Someone to keep her grounded.

But no, her daughter preferred girls who were either as wild or wilder than her. With a taste for older women, too, and God, had that given her more nightmares than she cared to count.

Idle thoughts, and ones that were quickly dispelled at the mention of Alicia’s overinflated head. That brought a brief laugh out of Angela and a knowing smile. The Hollywood Siren was a lot to deal with in small doses, but being her sister, growing up with, being around her on a consistent basis? Oh, Gabby was a veteran. ”That’s good. I added to it enough when I let her beat me.” Angela blinked and frowned, then had a quick huff. ”That’s unkind, I didn’t ‘let’ her do anything. She was an excellent opponent, I’m just old and bitter.”

She waved it off, then cast a curious eye towards the kitchen at the sound of laughter. Curious, she took a step away, only to stop when she heard Gabby’s explanation for getting into wrestling. It was hard to say for sure, but to her ears, she didn’t seem terribly enthusiastic about it. Angela hoped she hadn't given off the impression that she doubted her commitment, that was the last thing she would ever want.

”You’re starting off on a good point. Better than many.” She gave Gabby’s shoulder a soft pat. ”The gymnast background will help, and it’s just a matter of determination and practice from there. And you’ve got backup with your sister, that’s goood protection while you’re still learning. Your sister is…” She rolled her tongue about, trying to find the most diplomatic word. ”Passionate.” Yes, that would do.

”I think you’ll be okay. I’ll certainly be watching.”

[HotWheels]

Alicia almost told Dizzy to "name 'em," both due to her curiosity and because she doubted she would name any names. It would put her on the spot. But having a sister meant she knew the value of putting someone else on the spot when it was most inconvenient for them, so she would save that for later when she could have Dizzy sputtering about it. Yeah, that would do the trick. She chose to target her other comment instead. "All the holds might be real this time, chica. Now I know your game. Gotta put you down."

She would probably like that, too.

But for all her wildness, Alicia had started to figure out - or had always known - while she was still choosing to spend time on her when all the other people in her professional life thus far she had pushed out of sight and out of mind. She gave a damn. Genuinely gave a damn. Not that same giving a damn someone did at, say, a funeral: "hey, if you need anything, just call me." No one ever called anyone, and no one ever wanted to be called. They were words and nothing else. Alicia got the impression that Dizzy meant everything she said. Even the freaky shit. There was life in her. Alicia could use some life in hers, to be honest.

Shit to think about later. She simply wriggled in her chair like that was where Dizzy should be. And got a kiss for her sass. It was a tiny one - the kind of thing Gabby would have dropped on her if she was going to be gone for a few days, that peck and run so things didn't get too sappy. But it sure as shit wasn't for the same reasons Gabby would have given her one. Alicia, for the first time in a long time without getting bashed in the head, looked as if she didn't know how to react or what to say or do. So she didn't do any of them short of a fleeting smile before going back to fiddling with the fork.

Besides, the new adoptive family would be back anytime. Maybe. If they didn't talk for the whole rest of the night. Best to leave it at that.

__________________________________________

If Gabby had been that smidge more comfortable - and she was getting there - she might have told Ms. Belti not to say anything positive about Alicia so loudly or she would hear it from a mile away. Of course, her sister wasn't like that, she knew. Alicia presented the ego of the ages, and it helped her thrive. But in all honesty, she worked hard. She doubted, too. She didn't let people see it and certainly would never bring it up, but Gabby had seen it in quiet moments. She wished she had that ability to push through everything with so much disregard for the downsides and so much bluster. Maybe someday.

Instead of the snide comment, she opted for a compliment. "Well I've seen her come home from street fights on concrete with bullies who had it coming, and she looked better than she did after that match with you." ...Was that a compliment? She supposed to a wrestler with a rough reputation, it was.

She wondered if becoming a mother made someone automatically sound wiser and more believable when giving advice. She had before considered motherhood. Much more than Alicia, anyway. After the good times with her mother, she could see wanting that someday. As it was, though, based on what Gabby knew of early career Angela Belti against current Angela Belti, she seemed... well, authoritative, yes. But supportive, too. It was like the inverse of her own mother, and she could use that wise but firm boost to her confidence sometimes. Alicia sure didn't offer it, nor was she much for advice or teaching her sister like the tagalong she technically was here in Japan right now.

But she was right. Alicia did offer protection. That was not something she had ever worried about. Her sister had her back.

Those thoughts threatened to make her emotional, but she kept it bottled so well that it didn't show on her face. Instead, she nodded at the encouragement. "I would sure welcome some pointers if you're watching," she told her. "Alicia's teaching is painful."

[BlackAkuma]

‘Passionate’.

Yes, that was about the most excellent word Angela could use to sum up Angela. As little as she cared for the woman’s attitude and her style, she couldn't deny the energy she’d felt in that ring. She’d thrown her best at the Hollywood Siren just kept coming. She had this fierce, indomitable spirit. Frustratingly stubborn. She could only imagine what she was like when she applied that to other aspects of her life.

She could see it. Moreover, she was coming to think Dizzy saw it, too. Which, she supposed, was a good thing. Her daughter would never learn manners hanging around Alicia, but if she could gain some of that same strong spirit, then maybe…

Angela was growing wistful in her thoughts, so much so that it took a moment for her to register Gabby’s compliment. Her soft smile returned, with a little shrug to go along with it.”I gave her as good as I got. It just wasn’t enough to get the job done.” She cast a quick glance towards the kitchen, noting a sudden silence. ”That time.”

She still had a few matches left in her, and she had no qualms about saving one of those for Alicia, a few capstones to hit before she slid into retirement and put more of her focus on training. Investing in the future, with bright, young women like the one before her. ”I’d imagine so. I’m starting to wonder if training with family is the best approach, myself.” She shook her head, with a rueful sigh. ”But very well. My door is always open to you, Gabrielle.”

She gave the younger Soto a solemn, respectful bow, a gesture that she’d come to emulate without thinking since she came to Japan, then turned towards the door. ”Now, let’s get back to the kitchen, shall we? It’s far too quiet in there for my liking.”

Much to Angela’s - pleasant - surprise, she came back to find Alicia and Dizzy sitting at the table, staring into their plates, looking innocent. Far, far too innocent, if she were honest. She knew her daughter well enough to realize when she was overcompensating for something, but she wouldn’t bother prying, in the name of continued peace and prosperity.

From there, things went along well enough, devolving into an evening of idle chitchat and relatively harmless banter. Angela exchanged the occasional veiled barb with Alicia, but the frequency and intensity of their jabs decreased, no worse than Angela would’ve had for any rival. It was the happiest, warmest time she could remember having with her daughter since they came to Japan. Perhaps a good while before that, even.

But it had to end, as much as Dizzy would’ve undoubtedly loved to have them stay the night. The two of them lead the Soto’s to the door, with her daughter taking a moment to chat with Gabby, swapping some details for a little sparring session in the future. One of the few moments where she wasn’t paying any attention to Alicia, a rare opportunity that Angela had been waiting for.

She stepped back to the kitchen, halfway in before she called Alicia’s way, keeping her voice just high enough to get the older Sotos attention, but just low enough that it wouldn’t divert her daughter’s attention. ”Alicia?” She waved a hand her way. ”Do you have a moment? I just want a quick word before you go.”

She kept her face stoic and focused, but she couldn't help a hint of pleading in her voice.

[HotWheels]

To say that Alicia had been of two minds about the night would be an understatement. When she first heard the offer, the introvert she hid well enough beneath the outgoing, shameless bitch she presented wanted to say fuck no, especially after she had been forced to spend so many weeks home. Not only did she feel behind, unwilling to bother going out, and plain tired, it sounded like the sort of shit with the lion inviting her to dinner - she would be the dinner and never hear the end of it. But once she had gotten over that initial reaction, it made sense to her. She and mama had left on more respectful terms. And Dizzy wasn't responsible for anything her mama had brought down on her or on Alicia, either. That didn't mean the Latina was comfortable with it, but she had decided she would go - with backup. Distractingly (and annoyingly) well-mannered backup.

But here she was, having had a good time. She could even look across the table without smirking or scowling or having the temptation to hit Angela, and that wasn't where she figured she would be after an hour in the old bag's company. No less than a few times, she had stopped to study her while she was talking, wondering what had happened to turn that hellcat into the woman she was now - boring as hell, but decent people. She also wondered how she would ever react if she knew the full picture of what Dizzy wanted to do and did in her spare time. It was weird to her that she did spend so much time thinking about it.

But it was a good time. And Gabby had a good time. While she didn't want the prude influenced by a more prudish prude, she knew Gabby well enough that she would be flitting around trying to fit into a dozen social circles that would never quite commit to and probably end up making some mistakes if she didn't have some sort of concrete connection to fall back on. As they started for the door - Alicia aggressively leading the way because she was, even after all the positives, still too tired to deal with people any longer - she had to prop in the foyer with folded arms to see her sister and Dizzy eagerly arranging a chance to meet.

Fuck. The only downside was that it all made her miss home.

Lost in thought, the Hollywood hottie blinked several times when she heard Angela call to her. The sass almost came out before she settled. ...She didn't really want a one-on-one conversation. It was probably about keeping Dizzy away from strip clubs if they hung out, or some shit. To not teach her anything about sitting on another woman's face. But they had made enough peace over the course of the night that Alicia didn't want to fuck that up. And maybe it was something else. An apology for calling her a whore back when or whatever she had said. She brushed at some of her hair before trotting over.

Rather than provoke, she simply plopped her shoulder back against the wall, looking like she was ready to listen - as ready as she would ever be, anyway, on the precipice between curious and completely indifferent.

[BlackAkuma]

Angela saw the hesitance when Alicia spun her way, likely considering whether to answer her call or keep walking. Even now, after all they’d been through, there was no illusions that they would ever have a warm relationship. It wasn’t just the rocky start they’d gotten off on, but their natures. Two alpha females butting heads. They were never going to get along. If there was one piece of wisdom she hoped to impart onto her daughter, it was to accept that some people were not meant to mix and that it was okay to have two people you cared for who didn't care for each other. Social circles didn’t always form a perfect loop.

But, thankfully, Alicia reluctantly acquiesced and stepped aside, giving her a look between intrigued and blase. Not much, but she would take it.

Angela force her arms down, took an open pose, and summoned the best part of herself for what came next. She had been rehearsing this for weeks now whether she realized it, imagining this moment since their match, knowing it needed to happen on some level. Now that it was here, though, it was more complicated than she imagined.

”Firstly, I wanted to say ‘thank you’.” She nodded, happy to get that much out. The rest would flow easier, at least in this first part. ”For helping Dizzy. For coming here. For just being someone she can latch onto.” She leaned in and glanced towards the door, letting her voice sink, as if she was letting a secret slip. ”Dizzy doesn’t do this. She doesn’t invite friends over. She doesn’t make connections. That’s, admittedly, at least somewhat my fault for never putting down roots before, but even so, she’s always been pretty happy to be a nomad. I think you might just be the first serious friend she’s ever had, and for that, for giving her that, I thank you. Sincerely.”

Halfway there. Bring it home.

Angela stood up straight again and met Alicia’s eyes, looking her straight on for the first time since they wrestled. She had some of the same fire from them, the kind of heat she would always have for a respected rival, but there was concern there, too. It was important that she had her full attention.

”As for being more than a friend…” She gave her lip a quick nibble before pressing on. ”I don’t know what your intentions are, fully, and I don’t need to. I understand that. I also suspect you wouldn’t care much for my ‘blessing’, one way or another. I understand that, as well. You’re grown, growing women and this isn’t the 60s. But I ask that you keep one thing in mind.”

Alicia eased her shoulders, closed her eyes, and put her hands together, almost as if she were praying to the Hollywood Siren. Maybe she was. ”Keep her safe. Treat her well. Be honest with her. Be careful. I know I’ve not been a perfect mother to Dizzy, and I was likely wrong about you in many respects.” She notably wouldn’t mention which ones, but she would leave Alicia’s imagination to fill in those blanks. ”For that, I’m sorry. I'm trying to be better. I don’t expect we’ll ever see eye to eye, but Dizzy trusts you, so I want to trust you. At the end of the day, all I want is for her to be happy and healthy, and if she can be that with you, we’ll never have a problem again.”

Done. Finally. Angela slumped, and let her breathing return to normal, and she brought her hands up in full retreat, releasing Alicia from her invisible chains. ”There. I’ve said my piece.”

[HotWheels]

Well, that was a start.

Almost more uncomfortable to be thanked by the Italian as she would have been to have been warned or threatened, Alicia's eyes momentarily widened before she reeled in the surprise. But it threatened to return the more Angela said. Here she thought the big bitch would have wanted Dizzy to latch onto no one like her. But that didn't surprise her half as much as hearing Dizzy considered her a serious friend. She knew Dizzy was fond of her, yeah, she wasn't that stupid. She was the one person here before Gabby that Alicia would have bothered to pick up her phone and call if shit went down and she needed something. Apparently, Dizzy was getting more out of their time together than that. She peered down at her own feet in thought, though it was hard for her to think with mama continued to thank her.

She almost thought that was it, and by itself, that would have given her plenty to think about. Her gaze returned to study the Italian, thinking if she should reassure her. But Alicia recognized body language well enough to know she hadn't finished. Was this where the "don't be your slutty self and rub off on my daughter" diatribe came in? Because Alicia would gladly leave the night with some snide comment about rubbing off, literally, on whoever she pleased.

It was not. And Alicia's mouth ran dry. For the first time in a long time about anything at all - save for meeting her own mama's boyfriend, she supposed - she squirmed in place.

She both heard every single word and none of it with her mind racing so quickly. She wasn't sure she did "more than a friend," and she wasn't sure Dizzy did that, either, based on what she knew about her escapades. That was an assumption, yeah, but mama might have been making an assumption, too. She was old-fashioned, stuck with the rules from the eighties or nineties. She might have been thinking a little fun had to mean a relationship because she hadn't had much luck catching her daughter in the act except these few times Alicia had smeared her ass all over her.

But that didn't change that Alicia knew there was something to what she was saying. Alicia didn't yet want to analyze or interpret what made her think that just yet - sure as hell not in front of mama. She would do that later. But there was a little, niggling thrill there to know mama did care that much about her daughter... and that Alicia, too, would probably knock someone's fucking head off if they tried to hurt that horny little shit. It was annoying that she almost felt connected to the big prude for that reason.

She didn't say anything when mama finished. She stared into space for several more seconds before she did the one thing that, for her, was more respectful and amenable than opening her mouth. She simply absent-mindedly, but almost meekly and dutifully, nodded without one ounce of sass or argument to offer.

[BlackAkuma]

There. It was done.

In some ways, getting all of that out was harder than wrestling Alicia. At least in the ring, she’d known how to approach things. She was in her element. She was in control. It was probably what drove her to wrestling in the first place over bodybuilding, an environment where she could throw her weight around and didn't to worry about the nuances of the world.

Talking had never been her strong suit, far less so when she was talking to someone else about her daughter. She was so small, so tiny, and had been for so long. It was odd to think of her as anything but her little baby when she’d still looked so young. But she wasn’t, not anymore. She was growing. Not so much physically, but she was sliding into adulthood all the same. The strings were being cut, and it wouldn’t matter whether she accepted that or not. It was happening.

This was an important step, and she was glad - and surprised - that Alicia didn’t interrupt her and let her get it all out. Once she was finished, she took a deep breath, folded her arms, leaned back, and braced for the oncoming storm. The Hollywood Siren was never one to not get the last word in, and she would let her have it. She’d earned it, after what they’d been through.

Instead, she got a small, respectful nod and silence. Angela reeled back and blinked, as if an invisible hand had just slapped her across the face. After a moment of study, though, she took the gesture at face value and nodded back. The two of them understood each other. They might not ever be on the same page, but at least they were in the same book. Maybe even the same chapter. A good start.

Angela opened her hand and motioned for the two of them to rejoin Dizzy and Gabby, who were busy having a giggling session like little schoolgirls. She took a step their way, then paused as she remembered one last topic she needed to throw Alicia’s way.

”Oh, and I almost forgot. One thing.” She stepped in Alicia’s space and looked down on her with a wild flicker, the same kind of energy her rival would recognize from their time between the ropes. ”I want a rematch, bambina. Not soon, mind you. But before I leave my boots in the ring…” She let the thought trail off on its own, gave Alicia a final look over, and made her way toward the door.